The department store group said sales rose 17.9pc last week compared to the same week in 2011, with electrical and home technology surging by 40pc.

John Lewis said it saw strong tablet sales, driven by the new Apple iPad.

It is understood that Dixons’ shops, including Currys and PC World, also saw visitor numbers rise by 60,000 last weekend after Comet announced it was calling in administrators.

The increases in sales and visitor numbers were prompted by a renewed interest in electrical products as customers sought bargains at Comet.

Many customers have expressed disappointment at the Comet “firesale” and the lack of discounts, leading to many disgruntled shoppers heading to rivals such as John Lewis and Dixons instead to compare prices.

The problems facing Comet have also led to doubts about refunds and repairs on purchases, driving customers to other retailers for significant “white goods” purchases.

Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis, which yesterday unveiled its new Christmas advert, said: “The later half term across much of the country undoubtedly helped drive footfall into the shops, as did the distinctly autumnal weather.

“Beyond that, new product launches in technology, a competitor’s ‘extravaganza’ [House of Fraser], and the sad news of another’s likely demise undoubtedly combined to provide a lively end to the week.”

One of the leading credit insurers in the UK - which refused to support OpCapita after the private equity firm bought Comet for £2 - said some electrical retailers are still performing well.

Marc Henstridge, director of risk for Atradius UK & Ireland, said: "Consumer electronics retailers have had a tough time in recent years as discretionary spending has been squeezed.

"Internet shopping has also had significant impact and many high street retailers in general are finding themselves with a store portfolio in excess of their requirements, which they are unable to reduce due to lease tie-ins.

"That having been said, there are electrical retailers who are performing well in a marginally improving sub sector, primarily on the back of product knowledge and customer service.

"The success of businesses is down to a well considered strategy that is right for the marketplace, well funded and executed by the right management team."